Iron-rich ‘Mahua laddus’ made by Adivasi women’s cooperative in Telangana’s Utnoor earns praise from PM
The Hindu
Adivasi women in Telangana make iron-rich Mahua laddus, praised by PM Modi. The laddus aid nutrition and reducing anaemia levels.
The nutrient-rich ‘Mahua laddus’ made by the Adivasi women members of the Utnoor-based Bheembai Adivasi Mahila Sahakara Sangham in Adilabad district of Telangana found special mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 120th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme.
The income generating activity of Adivasi women of Utnoor while contributing their mite to support nutritional interventions in Telangana’s tribal heartland of erstwhile undivided Adilabad district and the rich tribal heritage came in for praise from the Prime Minister during his speech.
The Adivasi women-led cooperative is empowering tribal women by making laddus from the Mahua (Ippa) flowers, rich in iron and other nutrients, and supplying the iron-rich laddus to the ashram schools and anganwadi centres in the old undivided Adilabad district under the aegis of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Utnoor.
Meanwhile, Khushboo Gupta, Project Officer, ITDA, Utnoor, received two SKOCH awards for her two transformative projects – ‘Girijan Poshan Mitra’ and ‘Girijan Canteen’ in New Delhi on March 29, 2025.
Anaemia screening, targeted supplementation, distribution of Mahua laddus in Ashram schools forms the crux of the Girijan Poshan Mitra project.
According to ITDA sources, the nutrition initiative resulted in significant reduction in anaemia levels with the number of severely anaemic girls reducing from 15% to less than 1% in a span of four months.
Residents of Chettichavadi express concerns over deteriorating groundwater quality due to long-standing garbage dumping issues in Salem West.
Community Health Officers in Vijayawada protest for reduced workload and continued incentives amid growing dissatisfaction over salary changes.
Telangana faces 13,929 healthcare vacancies, primarily in doctors and nurses, as recruitment efforts aim to address the shortage.
For most patients with TB who are severely underweight, nutritional support is an essential and not optional part of treatment
Family of custodial death victims demands harsh punishment for nine convicted policemen to prevent future abuses of power.
Rajinikanth refutes TVK leader's claims about DMK threats preventing his political entry, expressing gratitude to supportive political figures.
CM announces Cabinet Sub-Committee on Musi rejuvenation; rehabilitation for all displaced
Ramanathapuram identifies 145 polling stations as sensitive, ensuring security with paramilitary forces ahead of assembly elections, says DEO.
BJP Puducherry president V. P Ramalingam files nomination for Raj Bhavan, joined by Union Minister Mandaviya and Khushbu Sundar.
History-sheeter 'Thoppai' Ganesh shot dead by police in Chennai after attacking officers during attempted escape.
The government plans to amend the FCRA, introducing new regulations for NGO asset management and accountability for key functionaries.
The draft policy for “Responsible Digital Use Among Students”, released on Monday by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, has recommended that parents set structured routines with clear screen-time rules and prioritise privacy, safety, and open conversation with children on digital well-being.
Police Observer Sushant Kumar Saxena conducts surprise inspection at Shencottai police station, reviewing warrants and security arrangements ahead of elections.